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LFX Build Thread
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Far enough along to start the build thread as I've had a couple PMs asking about progress.
1993 Miata. Keeping the shell, hardtop, shocks... not much else! Gutted the car- nearly everything came out. LOTS of cleaning, painting, etc. In fact, only the gas tank remained- 180lbs+ of stuff not going back in the car (not including the seats, steel hood, pdf, exhaust..). I re-did the suspension: blast/ paint/ new bushings/ new bearings/ blueprinted hubs/ and installed Zerks. I've got a full brake package ready to install. V8R sent me the diff mount- it's installed and bolted up (Getrag G80 LSD with a 3.4 gear). The '12 Camaro LFX and 6spd is in the garage, as is a new alternator, computer, gas pedal and starter (eng came stripped). I've ordered new bolts from GM but it takes a MONTH to get the bolts. The engine mount kit, clutch kit, and fuel kits have been ordered and are in production. Also ordered the stage 2 rear end kit and aluminum driveshaft. I've got a fiberglass hood with integrated headlight covers inbound. I'm keeping the Boss Frog roll bar but will cage at some point in the future. The car will mostly be a track toy and as such will have no radio, heat, AC, wipers, headlights... yada yada. But I'd like to be able to drive it on occasion, and want it to look finished- difference between built intentionally light and built cheap- so I am installing new carpeting and re-did the door panels with ABS and alcantara. Right now, I can pick up the car with my hands. The seat is a Sparco Pro 2000 carbon fiber with a PCI adjustable mount. I have a second mount and am searching for a passenger seat. Wheel is a suede Momo, wheels are 9' 6UL. Still to buy: Clutch (replacing the OEM), hiring harness, safety harness, battery, Aim MXL dash, switches, brake line (-2an)... and I need to figure out how to run/ design the belt as I'd like to eliminate the power steering pump and ac pulleys. Wiring is another challenge... I'm stuck now, waiting for parts. Will update this thread as the project continues. As it sits now: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 Diff Mount: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps8tpg1ziw.jpg Has to be 1.5' up https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psndn3oryy.jpg Brakes/ control arms: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psrjsnzqdx.jpg https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psccrievd1.jpg Door Panels: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 Running Fatcat Bilsteins: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...pshqhfjsrc.jpg Engine & Trans: Attachment 184354 Seat: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 Boxes of removed stuff: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 Started here... https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1423923665 Adios! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps8elmeb9m.jpg |
SUB'D!!!!! Been waiting for this one.
1 month wait for parts from GM. :cry: We're spoiled by Mazda. Parts support for Miatas is soooo good. I put Hard Dog's bolt-in street cage into mine. Really nice for a track/HPDE/TT car. |
Aw snap
All aboard the hype train! How did you get the engine/trans? wrecked car? |
Wow, off to a great start. I like the phrase "finished" lightweight build, that's the same road I'm venturing down. What did you paint the interior with?
Subbed for progress. Lots of great builds popping up lately! |
My buddy owns a paint shop and gave me a quart of something... Oil based, single stage. I sprayed it in the garage.
Yep, engine and trans came from s wrecked 12 Camaro $2500. |
Excellent start. Love the attention to detail. Still in awe of the suspension bits. Looks great.
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5 Attachment(s)
Interior work closer to being done, new clutch/ flywheel installed as was the new alternator and starter. Picking up a belt today (no a/c). Installed V8R upper ball joints, picked up an AIM MXL Pro which, when attached to the Delphi MEFI-5 will have the following items that can be logged:
ECU_1 5B_RPM RPM ECU_2 5B_SPEED Speed ECU_3 5B_TPS Throttle position ECU_4 5B_PPS Pedal position ECU_5 5B_ECT Engine coolant temperature ECU_6 5B_FUEL_T Fuel temperature ECU_7 5B_MAT Manifold air temperature ECU_8 5B_MAP_VOLT Manifold air pressure voltage ECU_9 5B_MAP Manifold air pressure ECU_10 5B_OIL_P Oil pressure ECU_11 5B_FUEL_P Fuel pressure ECU_12 5B_IGN_VOLT Ignition voltage ECU_13 5B_EGR_FB Engine gas recirculation voltage ECU_14 5B_INJ_BANKA Injection pulse bank A ECU_15 5B_INJ_BANKB Injection pulse bank B ECU_16 5B_SPARK_ADV Spark advance ECU_17 5B_KNOCK_RET Knock retard ECU_18 5B_CAM_RET Camshaft retard ECU_19 5B_FUEL_CONS Fuel consumption ECU_20 5B_ENG_LAMP Engine malfunction indicator ECU_21 5B_RTM_H Run time hour ECU_22 5B_RTM_M Run time minute Fuel kit and subframe should be here next week! https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1425223209 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1425223209 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1425223209 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psaytrcd1e.jpg https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1425223209 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1425223209 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...psfslsogmr.jpg |
Sweet!
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Balluer
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Nice work, keeping an eye on this!
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Really digging the interior setup. :bigtu:
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Your build is looking clean! What are the details about that upper A-arm ball joint? Looks like a good option instead of replacing the whole arm.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1425223209 |
Is that a MOOG replacement balljoint?
(my way of subscribing to this awesome thread) |
That interior is sweet! The shorty console really helps.
Subbed |
Originally Posted by carnut169
(Post 1206043)
Far enough along to start the build thread as I've had a couple PMs asking about progress.
1993 Miata. Keeping the shell, hardtop, shocks... not much else! Gutted the car- nearly everything came out. LOTS of cleaning, painting, etc. In fact, only the gas tank remained- 180lbs+ of stuff not going back in the car (not including the seats, steel hood, pdf, exhaust..)... |
Aftermarket replacement hoods are steel. Don't know of an aluminum source. That's one of the ways to check whether an older Miata has been hit . . . does it have a steel hood?
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I am interested in this as well. So I was doing a little googling and found another thread where you asked about a tensioner bracket without the A/C and P/S. I would look at supercharger tensioners.
This looks like an V8, but the idea is still valid. New Tensioner, Major help for belt slippage on 2300. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums - Camaro5.com It looks like the LFX superchargers are all centrifugal type and rely on the movement of the supercharger to tension. However, you may be able to get something together with the above company. |
Thanks. I ended up leaving the ps pump and pulley. With a shorter belt everything still works without the ac compressor.
Got the frame rails, subframe and front suspension installed yesterday! |
Looks good. From the one video of the V8R car at MRLS, I really like the way these sound.
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Mine might sound a bit more aggressive than that one... no emissions stuff. I'm having Enthuza Car build the whole exhaust system.
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I am 60% certain that I am doing the same swap, if I can find both engine and trans for under 3k. But as you said carnut169, I am doing a more aggressive exhaust. My exhaust will be straight pipe and exit on either side of the licence plate (which all I have to do is start laying some pipe).
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What clutch/flywheel did you go with?
AFAIK the Camaro uses a flexplate setup, making aftermarket options slim because they have to make both a clutch and flywheel combo to convert it to a normal flywheel setup, and unless it is super light it would likely be heavier than the OE flexplate... -Ryan |
I think SPEC makes an aluminum flywheel for the LFX, not sure what they weigh though.
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Originally Posted by paNX2K&SE-R
(Post 1212960)
I think SPEC makes an aluminum flywheel for the LFX, not sure what they weigh though.
-Ryan |
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I purchased new, oem stuff. If it will last 50k in a 4000lb Camaro, it should be fine in a car that weighs 1/2 that.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1425863580 |
Sean do you know how much that stock flywheel weighs by chance?
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I didn't weigh it, and just tossed the old one. It's heavy. Made in Germany.
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Very cool project by the way, looking forward to seeing more.
The fact that the AIM dash can pick up all the info straight off the GM ECU via canbus is particularly exciting, just hadn't even thought of that coming from 1990's-level hardware. I wonder how much you could shave off the stock flywheel... -Ryan |
Continuing to impress! Would you mind sharing your source for the shorty console? It looks good!
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I called them the other day and in the spirit of sharing, figured I would pass on what I learned. Sorry if it isn't really pertinent to your build, but might help a few others.
CA carb stuff is coming late summer to end of year (based on what they said but not exactly). First article is being built now, estimated mid summer completion. Carb will then take the car for up to 90 days. After that subsequent cars should not require a full bar inspection. Miata evap emissions equipment will work with the GM ECM. Custom exhaust will have an EO number. I was hoping to give them my money but it looks like that is on hold. I will live vicariously through you. |
5 Attachment(s)
Installed axles, clutch kit, fuel kit and engine... still have a long way to go. VERY tight fit with the trans attached. I had to slightly lower the subframe.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426395176 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426395176 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426395176 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426395176 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426395176 |
Originally Posted by TheBandit
(Post 1214183)
Continuing to impress! Would you mind sharing your source for the shorty console? It looks good!
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Very cool project. If I end up staying in CA, this might (perversely) make smogging my car much easier.
I can't tell if it's just the cover but the engine looks like it's further forward than I expected. Is that the final location? Where is the front of the engine relative to the front axle? |
Originally Posted by TurboTim
(Post 1212073)
Is that a MOOG replacement balljoint?
(my way of subscribing to this awesome thread) Great thread OP, i'm crushing hard on that interior. Stockinteriors.com carpet? |
Originally Posted by concealer404
(Post 1215066)
Stockinteriors.com carpet?
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Originally Posted by thebeerbaron
(Post 1215065)
I can't tell if it's just the cover but the engine looks like it's further forward than I expected. Is that the final location? Where is the front of the engine relative to the front axle?
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Stock camaro shifter does not align. I'll have to cut/ weld and remove some material/ length. Hood clearance will be tight as is everything- some things less than 1/16- lots within 1/8". Makes me really appreciate what the v8 guys must go through!
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More pics of the oil pan fitment and how low does the oil pan sit?
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I'll get the pic For you. It hangs about an inch lower than subframe, but it appears to be even with the bottom of the suspension. V8r is working on a new oil pan, which I'll likely buy and install if I ever need to pull this engine again. Now, I'll probably be mindful and install a skid plate.
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Why try to re-use/modify the camaro shifter? V8R has a shifter for this, no? Or maybe it isn't available yet..
-Ryan |
I'll ask them, but it wasn't mentioned.
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What's your plan for headlights? Or is it going to be track only?
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I think my floor will fit. I'm about to order the engine and trans, but trying to find a awesome deal. I got the money in hand. Do you know if all RWD LFX will fit? I know me and Ryan (ThePass) is in the same boat in limitations of room for depth of oil pan.
I was also thinking of drive (40 miles) up to V8 Roadsters and see what they got. This is a old pic about 3 years ago https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426453251 |
Your floor is awesome.
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V8R will have an LFX oil pan that should be an improvement. Not sure how soon that will be available though.
My floor is more modular, and usually leaves a small area directly under the motor open. -Ryan |
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Installed the radiator, rear hubs, dash, rotors, etc. Installed a catch can and the ported throttle body is otw. Jason came over to take some measurements for the Enthuza exhaust system he's going to build. In the mean-time I'll be wiring thew car. The new V8R engine harness is in my office and I've got most of everything else I'll need. The axles seem to be binding a bit so I'll need to tt Steve about that. Hard to turn the assembly even using the wheel.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426889660 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426889660 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426889660 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426889660 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426889660 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426889660 |
Nice clean MXL install.
What are your exhaust plans re: size and duals all the way back or merge to single? -Ryan |
Originally Posted by ThePass
(Post 1217157)
Nice clean MXL install.
What are your exhaust plans re: size and duals all the way back or merge to single? -Ryan Pretty much told Jason to make it as light as possible while keeping sound as low as he could. AMP (local track) has a 100db limit which is strictly enforced. Think it will be 2.5" merging at the trans to a 3" single. from the engine to the merge will have a ceramic coating. |
I just ordered my engine last night :-) Good deal. So I'm coming with straight pipe.
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So how much was your engine if you don't mind sharing? Did you buy a complete drop out with tranny and harness?
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Looking forward to seeing more. |
Nice work so far! You've given me some ideas for my LS swap.
Just curious what carpet you used when you replaced it. My OEM carpet is pretty ratty and should be replaced. Edit: I missed it on page two. Strong first post for me. |
5 Attachment(s)
Making small progress. Installed the gas pedal, ecu, the battery (passenger footwell where the ecu was), replaced the intake manifold with one that I've shaved down the ribs for hood clearance (still not closing). Radiator, hoses, fan, and intake are all installed. Started making an airbox where the driver's side headlight was. Also have installed the second switch panel with the master cut off switch. Lastly, I scored a second Sparco Pro2000 so now I've got a passenger seat for anyone crazy enough to ride with me.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1427714508 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1427714508 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1427714508 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...pselsxyfto.jpg Attachment 184232 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1427714508 |
Looking good.
Hood clearance was one of my concerns with this swap in an NA from the info V8R had put out... Do you think it's going to make it with the stock hood? |
It definitely does not clear the stock hood. After grinding down the intake manifold I still need about an inch. I'm going to raise the back of the hood a little (will still seal out the high pressure air) and may be able to bend it enough to fit... We'll see. I'm using a pos steel hood now but also have a one piece fiberglass hood that I might end up modifying.
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And there isn't a way to lower the engine abit?
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I'm getting closer- more triming... 1/2" now and I'm thinking I can make it fit.
Built the airbox... I'm just about down to wiring. Can't procrastinate any longer on it. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1427756080 |
What are you going to do for headlights? I have no desire to put my barn doors back in, but haven't found any really slick options. I'd love to try a mini LED bar in the turn signals, but have yet to explore. Looking good!
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